The Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT) in Watford are encouraging residents to continue using echo after a successful drugs operation using intelligence submitted to the feedback platform resulted in an arrest.
After reviewing the information shared by the public, PC Connor Element planned a police response to target the areas continually mentioned in echo feedback as suspected drug dealing hotspots.
A team of officers, from the Watford North and Watford Outer Safer Neighbourhood Teams, conducted a mixture of high-visibility and plain-clothes patrols during the three-day operation.
One person was arrested and a car was seized during the operation in several areas of Watford including Vicarage Road and The Harebreaks, as well as both Meriden and Tudor estates.
A 21-year-old man from Watford was arrested in Beechfield Rise on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs, and possession of a class B drug (cannabis).
He was released on bail in relation to the driving offence and given a community resolution in relation to the possession of cannabis.
Officers also carried out 25 stop searches, submitted multiple new intelligence reports and also stopped a Honda Civic which they later seized as they had reason to believe it was a pool car being used to commit crime.
PC Connor Element, who organised and led the operation, said: “We had received information via echo from residents who were understandably concerned about suspected drug dealing activity in their neighbourhoods.
“Everyone has the right to live in their home without fear of crime or anti-social behaviour, so after gathering as much information as possible I planned this operation to tackle the issue head on.
“We achieved some very positive results but we will not be resting on our laurels: we are planning future operations, so I want this to serve as a warning to those who choose to deal drugs in our town. We will catch up with you.
“I hope the residents in our communities are reassured that we are listening and we will take action where it’s needed.”
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